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How to Decorate for Halloween

Decorating for Halloween can be a lot of fun, but being forced to remove those decorations because they break HOA rules is definitely not fun. Avoid breaking the rules altogether by following these three simple steps. You’ll still have a yard that is Halloween-ready, but you won’t have to tear anything down at the last minute.

Check the HOA Guidelines First

Always check the HOA guidelines first to see what they say about holiday decorations. If you aren’t sure about something, ask your property manager or someone on the HOA board. One common holiday decoration that most HOAs prohibit is yard art, which includes inflatable pumpkins, shrines and figurines. Again, if you aren’t sure if one of your decorations is considered yard art, ask someone on the community board.

Avoid Decorations That Annoy Neighbors

It’s always important to be considerate of your neighbors, and decorating for Halloween is no different. The two biggest offenders when it comes to Halloween décor are noise and lights. Even if your HOA guidelines don’t prohibit noise or lights, it’s best to keep them to a minimum to prevent annoying anyone. Noise can be disruptive or simply irritating to your neighbors, and lights shining in at night can be an inconvenience. If you do have decorations that make noise, keep them quiet, so the sound doesn’t float into neighbors’ homes. If you have lights, don’t go overboard, and turn them off at a reasonable hour. When in doubt, ask your neighbors if they are okay with your decorations.

Avoid Religious Décor

Many people don’t associate religion with Halloween, but it is possible to add Wiccan décor to your decorations. Some HOAs don’t allow religious decorations, regardless of the religion. So make sure none of your decorations have religious undertones. Even something as simple as a witch in your yard could be associated with the Wiccan religion. If your HOA guidelines prohibit religious decorations, steer clear of anything that could be considered religious.

Most people love a few Halloween decorations, but you can have too much. When you live in a community with an HOA, it’s important to follow the rules and regulations and be courteous to your neighbors. Before you start putting up your Halloween decorations, do a little research to find out what is prohibited and what might annoy people.